Kanya King, the entrepreneur who founded the Mobo awards to celebrate Black British music, has died at the age of 57 from colon cancer.
The Mobo Organisation announced her death on Wednesday, saying she died “after a courageous and characteristically determined battle” with the illness.
“Kanya King, founder of the Mobo awards, has died aged 57 from colon cancer, prompting tributes from Stormzy, Alesha Dixon and Idris Elba.”
King launched the first Mobo (Music Of Black Origin) awards in 1996, creating a platform that has since become a cornerstone of the UK music calendar. The event has honoured artists including Stormzy, Alesha Dixon and Idris Elba, who have all paid tribute to her as a “visionary” and “champion” of Black British talent.
The awards have grown from a small ceremony into a major televised event, showcasing genres from grime and hip-hop to R&B and Afrobeats. King’s work helped bring mainstream recognition to Black British musicians who had often been overlooked by other industry awards.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, King overcame significant challenges in her early career to build the Mobo brand. She was diagnosed with colon cancer several years ago but continued to lead the organisation and campaign for greater diversity in the music industry.
The Mobo Organisation described her as “one of the most fearless champions” in the industry, adding that her legacy would endure through the awards and the many artists she supported.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Stormzy called King a “visionary” whose impact on British music “cannot be overstated”. Alesha Dixon said she was “heartbroken” and praised King’s “incredible determination and grace”. Idris Elba described her as a “true pioneer” who opened doors for generations of Black artists.
The awards have been held in various UK cities over the years, including London, Glasgow and Leeds, reflecting their nationwide reach. They have also sparked conversations about representation in the wider entertainment industry.
King’s death has prompted renewed calls for the government to do more to support Black British music and culture. Several artists and industry figures have highlighted the need for sustained investment in grassroots talent.
What happens next? The Mobo Organisation has not yet announced plans for the next awards ceremony, but King’s family have said they are committed to continuing her work. A date for a memorial service is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
What This Means For You For music fans, King’s death marks the loss of a figure who reshaped the UK’s cultural landscape. The Mobo awards will likely continue, but without her guiding hand. Young Black musicians may face fewer champions in the industry unless others step up. The public can expect more tributes and possibly a renewed focus on diversity in entertainment. For the wider arts sector, King’s legacy is a reminder of the importance of representation at the highest levels.